THE entrance to an accident and emergency department of a hospital has been given a makeover.

A new entrance has been created at Darlington Memorial Hospital for all patients other than those arriving by ambulance,

Bosses say the makeover will provide a more "streamlined" approach for patients, which will allow them to receive the right care from the right person as soon as possible.

A new, larger reception area has been created, where a senior clinician will stream patients as they arrive, to determine the most appropriate person to lead their care.

Kerry Dawson, general manager for acute & emergency care at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At the moment all patients enter through the entrance at the front of the hospital, next to the main entrance, but this will now only be used by those arriving by ambulance.

“We are delighted with our new facilities and the benefits they will bring for patients.

"But would like people to consider other treatment options before attending, including community pharmacists, their own GP and the 111 service."